e-Newsletter | Autumn 2021
In This Newsletter:

Global Events
CSIRO partner with GEMS to host the first virtual IORA Blue Carbon Workshop

Funding Support
NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund

Speaker Spotlight
Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland addresses the International Confederation of Principals

Innovate
EventsAIR to launch OnAIR version 5.0, boasting optional 3D or self-build interface
Global Events
CSIRO partner with GEMS to host the first virtual IORA Blue Carbon Workshop

GEMS are set to deliver the first 100% virtual experience for the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s Blue Carbon Workshop, hosted by CSIRO in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in May 2021. 

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 9 Dialogue Partners.

Australia was a founding partner of the international partnership, and is actively involved in regional initiatives to promote awareness of the potential role of Blue Carbon in climate mitigation and adaptation.

This event was last hosted by CSIRO in Perth, Western Australia during March 2018, with international attendees from many of the IORA member states and partner countries including; Bangladesh, China, Comoros, Eqypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Republic of Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

This will be the 5th event managed by GEMS in conjunction with IORA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and an Australian government agency. In conjunction with CSIRO, we plan to take these events to a new level, enabling attendees who would not normally be able to attend to obtain virtual access to cutting edge science that ultimately will improve the lives of people within the Indian Ocean Member States.
Funding Support
NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund

Stuart Ayers, NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, recently announced a $500,000 NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund. 

The Fund has been designed to help stakeholders create, attract and support exciting business events for regional NSW and to support new business event initiatives aimed at enriching the events with opportunities offered by iconic towns and regions, while helping secure successful conferences and events for their future.

Grant funding will be offered until 30 April 2021 or until the pool of funds available has been expended. Applications will be assessed on a first-come-first-served basis. Funding is to be matched dollar-for-dollar by local communities, councils, entrepreneurs, associations, corporations, professional conference organisers or grants received by other Local, State and Federal Government Departments.

An Applicant may apply for funding based on the following scale:

  • Up to $15,000 (ex GST) for a business event with up to 150 delegates (projected attendance)
  • Up to $30,000 (ex GST) for a business event with over 150 delegates (projected attendance)

For the full details on who can apply for the funding, eligibility criteria and terms, please visit www.meetinnsw.com.au.
Speaker Spotlight
Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland addresses the International Confederation of Principals (ICP)

Following the success of the 100% virtual 2020 ICP Council Meeting held in September of 2020, attracting over 170 education principals and leaders from 18 countries, ICP has engaged GEMS to manage and deliver a series of webinars to be rolled out during 2021.

As a team, we are always excited about working with new speakers, each who have their own unique stories to tell. However, on occasion we have the immense honour of working with incredible individuals that have paved the way on such issues as equality and justice on a global scale.

One such person is Mary Robinson - an Irish independent politician who served as the seventh President of Ireland from 1990 - 1997, becoming the first woman to hold this office. She also served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002.

In 2010, Mary set up the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, which aims to be 'a centre for thought leadership, education and advocacy on the struggle to secure global justice for those people vulnerable to the impacts of climate change who are usually forgotten – the poor, the disempowered and the marginalised across the world.

We were very proud to support the ICP in the delivery of the first webinar in the Series ‘Dismantling Inequity in Education – ICP in Conversation with Mary Robinson’, held on the 23 February.

Mary’s passion for equity in education, was discussed during this webinar, a value that is central to the work of the ICP, and which no doubt resonated with and inspired school leaders across the globe.
Innovate
EventsAIR to launch OnAIR Version 5.0, boasting optional 3D or self-build interface

The current OnAIR 2D virtual event platform gives us the ability to manage the complete online attendee event journey, with the flexibility to hold virtual, hybrid or blended events anywhere, anytime and on any device.
 
We are excited by recent announcements from EventsAIR that the version 5.0 release of the OnAIR virtual and hybrid event solution will include a brand new 3D or self-build interface options, delivering a more immersive virtual venue and event experience.
 
A number of our team members were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at this exciting new interface and I assure you, it will not disappoint. From entry into the virtual venue with signage that will point you to your next session room, into the virtual exhibition hall or delegate Meeting Hub, you get a real, almost 'in-person' feel for the venue and a truly user- friendly experience throughout.
 
We look forward to working with EventsAIR in the delivery of your next hybrid or 100% virtual event, taking it to the NEXT level with OnAIR.
 
Version 5 is set to be released in the coming month, and we can't wait to show you all. Here is a sneak peek and what you can expect...
If you would like to learn more about delivering a virtual or hybrid event, please reach out for a chat. We would love to introduce you to the OnAIR virtual event platform and show you all the possibilities. To arrange a demonstration, please contact mglasson@gemsevents.com.au.
Do you need guidance and support to deliver
your next event?

With 28 years expertise in hosting complex, multi-faceted events beyond 1,000 attendees, we can help deliver your next big event. Contact Michelle Glasson, Director of Marketing and Business Development +61 2 9744 5252 or email mglasson@gemsevents.com.au